Hi,
I have a esp8266 that i want to partially pot into a milled out aluminum bar, mainly to hold it in place. I could just use some silicon caulk, but, i want it to be more sturdy than that... so is there something i can buy locally that will work as a potting compound w.o damaging the board?
I know i can get potting compound, but i'm trying to wrap this project up this weekend. Will just two part epoxy work ok for electronics? I won't be potting the antenna portion.
I have used 'Expanding Foam Insulation', you will never get it free again ;).
i'm... um..., looking for something that would still be visually appealing. 
Quick setting epoxy would work for you and if you used the 5 minute stuff, would be ready to use in an hour.
Paul
thanks for the suggestions, i have some 5 minute epoxy so it's game on 
Qdeathstar:
Hi,I have a esp8266 that i want to partially pot into a milled out aluminum bar, mainly to hold it in place. I could just use some silicon caulk, but, i want it to be more sturdy than that... so is there something i can buy locally that will work as a potting compound w.o damaging the board?
I know i can get potting compound, but i'm trying to wrap this project up this weekend. Will just two part epoxy work ok for electronics? I won't be potting the antenna portion.
Unless you REALLY NEED your module to be potted (for example, to survive in harsh weather conditions and/or lots of vibration), I heartily suggest NOT potting it.
You can get one of those nice plastic cases with a groove and gasket built in and seal your circuit inside while still being able to remove it for repair or reprogramming.
If you DO intend to pot the circuit, don't just use any old caulk or epoxy. You need material specifically made for potting (i.e. electrically insulating, does not release conductive ions while curing, not corrosive to a PC board, flexible enough to allow thermal expansion, etc...). Also, some materials release a lot of heat while curing (many epoxies do this) and the heat could kill your board.
I suggest researching circuit potting compounds (GE makes many different kinds of silicone products... soft, firm, clear, opaque, etc...)
Good luck.
larryd:
I have used 'Expanding Foam Insulation', you will never get it free again ;).
That almost looks obscene!
plastic won't work, i'm inserting it lengthwise into a tight aluminum slot. I think i'm gonna get in there with some black caulk.
that way i can pull it out if i need to.
Hi,
If you project will see temperature differences I would steer you away from any material that hardens. Thermal expansion differences could / will stress the solder joints and cause the circuit to fail. This is especially true for SMD parts.
I think you should revisit the silicone. GE Silicone II is neutral cure (according to GE) and will be plenty strong. Some aquariums are held together solely by silicone. And I think you can likely remove it by cutting the silicone around the board.
yep, that's what i was initially considering, and that's where i will end up. Was just exploring alternatives...
